The Great Find
Campbell Bridges, an English geologist, is given credit for finding the first deposit of tsavorite in 1967 in the African country Tanzania. Due to political red tape, he was not given permission to mine the area. But Campbell would not concede. As Bridges' field was studying the earth, he deduced that this stunning green gem deposit might continue on into Kenya. Four years later he was proven right, and began mining in the beautiful, yet dangerous land near the Tsavo River. Tiffany and Co. took a personal interest and was paramount in naming tsavorite after the Tsavo River and the Tsavo National Park. Due to this publicity, tsavorite became known through out America and the rest of the world.
The Desire
Tsavorite has some great characteristics that make it a very desirous gem.
- The color of the tsavorite is usually an intense, vivid green. Its color ranges from a lighter yellow green to a radiant green with a hint of blue to the deep green of the forest. Many people will agree it is one of most beautiful greens in all the gem world, if not the most beautiful.
- Tsavorite holds up very well. On the Mohrs Scale, which is used to measure hardness, it is a 7.5 out of 10. This doesn’t make it the hardest of gems, but unlike many stones, it holds up well under the jewelry designer's setting tools. It is less likely to chip or crack than its green predecessor and rival, the emerald.
- Tsavorite is all natural. Many gemstones are treated; either heated or radiated, or even oiled. Tsavorte needs none of these treatments. It is pure, unadulterated beauty. When other stones may fade in color due to treatments wearing off, tsavorite will continue to be its radiant self for all time.
- Tsavorite is less expensive than many stones. Even though it is rarer than emerald, with more brilliance, durability and purity, it is quite a bit less expensive. At the time of this article, a one-carat tsavorite of high quality would go for $450-$700. An emerald of good to very good quality in the same size would run from $2,000-$5,000. However, as the popularity of tsavorite increases, so will the price.
The Jewel
This exquisite green gem usually comes in small sizes, under two carats. It is very rare to find a tsavorite over two carats, but the great beauty of this stone is that, even in small sizes, it has the brilliance and sparkle of spring. The most common shapes are oval and emerald cut, but it is not unusual to see them in round or cushion cut. Because of the characteristics already mentioned, tsavorite can be worn in almost any form of jewelry. Pendants and earrings are highly recommended, because they take less abuse, but tsavorite is durable enough to wear in a ring or bracelet, though probably not as everyday jewelry. Because of the intensity of its color, it looks good in any precious metal. Setting it in yellow gold will bring out the contrast of the yellow and the green for a spectacular display of metal and jewel. Setting tsavorite in white gold or platinum will preserve the color of the stone and put more emphasis on the tsavorite itself.
Tsavorite is not available in every jewelry store. Even in the finest jewelry stores, it is a stone that many will not have on hand, but must be ordered from a stone house. However, due to its beauty, durability, purity, and price, it is a stone worth waiting for.
